Box blank taping machine



Nov. 20, 1951 Filed May 26, 1949 C. D. NITCHIE BOX BLANK TAPING MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet l ATTCRNEYS Nov. 20, 1951 c. D. NlTcHlE 2,575,887

Box BLANK TAPING MACHINE Filed May 26, 1949 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 NOV. 20, 1951 Q D, N11-@H15 2,575,887

BOX BLANK TAPING MACHINE Filed May 26, 1949 5 Sl'xeezS-Sl'xeeJrl 5 INVENTOR BY l@ ATTORN EYS Nov. 20, 1951 l c. D. NITCHIE 2,575,887

Box BLANK TAPING MACHINE Filed May 26, 1949 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 fl-CL2. ""4 a' 22 ATTORNEYS Nov. 20, 1951 Q Q NlTCHlE 2,575,887

BOX BLANK TPING MACHINE Filed May 2e, 1949 5 sheets-sheet 5 l Vw 103 104 J0? 102( Nfl/08 I -HOV AC INVENTOR harfkslZMC/e BYA MM 1L/M ATTORNEYS Patented Nov. 20, 1951 charles D. Niteh'e, Haaaonfielanfi., assignr to `Samuel M. Langston Co., Camden, N. J., a cor,-`

poration of New Jersey Application May 26, 1949, Serial No. 95,491-

j `17 claims. 1

,This `invention is an improvement inthe type n of machines which areemployed to apply tape to the outside surface of box blanks to secure together the abutting edgesas the blanks are fed in succession through the machine. blank is made from a stiff sheet,` usually of double-faced corrugated paper, which is scored to define the side panelsof `the box andthe end flaps, and is`slitted inwardly on opposite edges to the score lines which define the height of the box, and thereby to form iiaps `which may be folded over to `form the top and bottom.` l

In the development of such machines there is a continually increasing demand for higher speeds, thereby to increase the productive capacity of the machine. Box blanks of the type referred to have the strip of tape of a length equal to the height of the desired box, andtherefore, as successive blanks `are fed through the machine at uniform speed-the tape `will remain at rest while the end flap portions of the blank pass a given point, and then the tape isapplied to the blank, and While being applied travels at the speed of theblank. After the tape has-*been applied the desired length is then cut oif. The `tape remaining after a section has beencut 4oli` is stopped, and remains at rest While the end'lflaps of'lthat box blank and the end aps ofthe next successive blank pass the point ofA tape application.

Then the tape must start moving -againat the high speed of the blank Whilev being applied to the next successive blank. Thus the blank feeding is continuous, but the tape feeding is intermittent.` l 1 V The roll of tape is usually carried by a supply reel, and it is not practical to start and stop the rotation of the tape roll simultaneously With-the applying of the tape to the blank and ftheicut# ting cffthetape at the proper` pointedependent uponl the height of the -box to be formed. It has been proposed to form a loop in the tape from which tape may be drawn When'the application oftapebegins, and to which tape maybe supplied While` the box flaps are passing the point ofztape application,` whereby the length of the` loopy alternate'ly increases and decreases. A machine of that type is shown in copendingapplication SerialNo. 19,531 of KarlSieg. l i l l l, l The present invention relates particularly to the mechanism employed for controlling the feed of tape to the loop in accordance with the length of the loop, so that tape may be readily lfed from the loop at the beginning ofthe periodpf tape application to the blank, and may be supplied to the loop during` the period while box blank Each box j 2 flaps are passing the point at which tape is applied.

As one important feature of my inventiona free loop is formed in the .tapewhich is under practically no tension. Thus there is the minimum resistance to the sudden and rapid `withdrawal oftape from the loop when the end of the tape. is attached to a rapidly moving` blank.

`As another importantfeature of the invention there is provided a tape feeding means. for drawing tape from the roll, so that tape may be readi ly fed to the loop, and in so doing there is-minie mum resistance to the sudden and rapid :Withdrawalof tape from the tape roll.

As another importantfeature of the invention there is provided electric switch mechanism for controlling themeans for feedingthe, tape to the free loop when the length of the loop has Abeen reduced to a predetermined extent bythe attachment offtheendof the tape toa blank, the pullingfof thertapetherefrom, and controlling the termination of the feeding when the tape has been cut olf andthe length of the loop has been increased to its initial length. u i f The tape supply reel. feeds tape to the loop intermittently,.and as a further important feature of my invention there is provided electrically controlled means for intermittently pullingv tape from the roll when the loop is below a predetermined length,-and for stopping Vthe pulling and applying a brake tothe roll `When the loop is restored to its desiredmaximum length.

As a further feature Athere is provided a tape feeding means for drawing tape from the loop, and which includes a one-revolution clutch `electrically controlled by the blank so that as'each blank passes a predetermined point, tape feedingis positively started, and thereafter thetape is pulled from the loop by the 'blank for a period of timevaryingwith the .length of the body of the blank, andthelfeeding of, thetape is Yindependently stopped when the loop is extended to a predetermined length and independentofuthe box body length. .l l. l .A

\ As4 a further featureV of my invention I provide a target trip which 'is light in weight and there-V fore .has 10W resistance lto movement.` so that it may be easily moved.athighspeedby the blank from rest `position Awithout liability `of injuring or marring the edge of the blank,` and maybe snapped back by a springgz-toroperative position after one lblank passes and before the next one arrives, even though.` the blanks are spaced to only ashort distance apart. J .v y Y l l .As aiurther` ieaturethe `light,weight target atraso? acts vmerely to snap a switch controlling the circuits of the dilerent mechanisms, so that the resistance to movement and the inertia are very low.

In machines of theV type referred to, the time interval between successive operations varies with the length of the blank being taped, and as a further featureof my invention means are' provided whereby the controls of these operations arereset after the blank strikes the target, and the time of re-setting is not dependent upon the length of the blank.v

As a further feature I'provide al 'solenoid for effecting the starting of the tapefeeding'fmovement, and so control thev circuit for thesolenoid tion's. This is lof negligible eii'ect for slow `and mee.

dium speedroperation's.' but may cause slightly inacur'ate timingin high speed operations. In 'order moreaccurately to control the timing there is provided a rectifier 'for the alternating current supplied to the cltchtrip solenoid, so that the solefroid is'o'pe'rated by direct current,l Whereas other parts of thev system may be operated bythe alternating current. Y

v'Other features of my invention will be apparent from orbe pointedA out Aconnection with-.the

desecription'of the constructionvfand operation ofrmerely one embodiment of my invention. Y Inv the accompanying drawings merely one'of many possible embodiments of myin'vention'are illustrated. yIn thesedrawings: -f

" Figi 1 is aperspectiv'e view of my improvedapparatu's. l

f" Fig. 2 aface View, partly inisectionfof'the meansemployedffor :taking theY tape from a roll' ,.F-ig. e isla section on .the line e--sof Fig. 5.

i Fig. '7 is a section'ontheline 1-1;o Fig. 4. but on aalarger scale 'and-'showing the tape feed to the loop. Y

Fig.r8 is a section on the line 81-8 of Fig. 7. f 'Fig 9 isja'n enlarged 'viewof a portion ofthe sheet actuated't'rip shown iirFlg. 1. Y

jl'ig.y 10 shows the parts appearing in1Fig.9, but viewed-from tleri'ghtliandside. Fig. 11 is avew show-ing the trolled clutch, and

Fig-.112 isa wiring diagram. My improvedma-chine maybe positioned at'fthe delivery end f l"a boxbla'nk folder, such forlm stance that shown in :application 'Serial No. '125,958 vvof. Wilber E. flow'rsock; although it will somma conbe understood that the present invention may be employed in connection with any other suitable type of box blank folding and delivering mechanism, or the folded box bla'nk may be taken fro a stack of the folded blanks.

So far as concerns Vthe feeding of the folded blanks, the cutting of the tape into sections each lof a length equal to vthe lV body portion of the ,blan'krfthe moistening of the tape, andthe ap plying of it to the advancing blank, any type of #machine may be employed, as for instance that Ashow-n -inftheSieg application ffild March 27, 1948. the villtistratedl.embodiment of my inven- Serial No. 19,531,

-tion the tape-A, which is to be applied to a travel- "ing folded blank C, is supported by a reel 20, and. passes between rollers 2| and 22, then as a x "loop B in a tube 23. The other end of the loop passeslover rollers 24, 25 and 26 to the tape feeder, hereinafter described, which intermittently feeds lthe tape endl from the cutter and delivers is to the box blank after `'me lflaps of the blank *21 and 28 theretis provideda verticallymovable knife alicoacting with a stationary knife 32 Vto cut the tape into sections, each .ofa length correspondingto the length of the panel or bodyporjtion of the box blank. Suitable means are em- `ploy'ed for Vmoistening the under-side Vof the tape. "Therollers 21 and k28 are continuously rotated to receive and advancethe blanks, but the' blanks are usually spaced a short distance apart, and the spacing of the sections oftape is greater be'- cause no tape is applied Yto the flaps at the opposite ends .of` the body portions of each blank.

Cil

Theta'pemayfbe directed betweenthe knives by aguide33., Y `Inmy improvedfmachine the loop B is free Vand hangs between the rollers 2| and 24, and the roller 2| -acts in'conjunction with'the roller 22 to inter-A mittenly .feed tape tothe loop. The roller 2|. is connectedby a chain 34, to the shaft-of theroller or Vbelt pulley 21, sothat these two bothtravel continuously, vand .atl the same peripheral speed. An-idler sprocket `35 may bemounted on an arm 36 pivoted on the framel and pressed by aspring 36'r against.'` the chain to keep the latter taut. Thus, in my-fimproved machine the roller :1| driven :by theb'elt pulley 21 feeds the tapeto a f freely suspended loop, whereas in the machine roller-in the loop. The rollers 2| and 22 when' feeding tape tothe Vloop advance it at the'same speedeas that-of the blanks, but 4as later pointedV out, there is a phase :lag -resultingpin' first Vdecreasing andlf then increasing' the length of: Vthe freezloop of tape. i v`v`:'Ihecycleoff operations of my improved vapparatus is initiated `v by a1 target '40 in the-:path of mevementofr-the folded blankiat This target has low'- inertia and. offers but slight resistance torina forward. movement o'fthe mank-k The target in its movement serves to close an electric circuitlandinitiate the-tape feeding, but'ilthe circuit may almost immediately openffafter the e'nd 'of the tape becomes attached tothe blank, and' before the. target returns to normal position after `A`the passage of the iblank. i

'f As shown in Figs. 1, 9 and 10, the-targetas .isV

blanks, and'has a pivotal support4| intermediate of its ends and in a 4bracket '42. The target' is -normally held in its substantially vertical positionby a spring. 43 which holds'alower eXtension 49 against oneside of astopl 48. At a` short distance.' belowJ the pivotal support 4| 4it has pivoted thereto a pawl 44 engaging a shoulder or catch on an loscillatory cam 45 securedito a pivot pin 4|.` The ends of the4 spring 43` may be at:- .tached tothe pivot pin ofthe p`awl,and1to` the bracket 42. The-pin. 46 turns with the. cam and operates .to close and opena. switch, as herein;- after more fully explained. The cam is so'fshaped that after the pawl has rotatedthe cam through only a comparatively short arc, the pawl 44 glifts lout of engagement with the shoulder. on the cam.,..The cammay thereafter return. to` normal position and thereby. break4 the circuit which it has just previously closedeven thoughthe folded blank in passing over the target still prevents the latterfrom swinging back untilafter ,the blank has fully passed. Thus the pawl holdsthe switch closedfor. a predetermined 4time interval which is independent of the length of therblank. .The

' cam' has.- aidepending arm 41 normally :engaging the other side of the stop 48, the arrnswinging from the solid-line position to the dotted line position shown in Fig. 9 by the rotation of the cam to` close the switch.- When the camgis released from the pawl a torsion spring'in the switch body eects the return rotation -of the arm 41. Thus, when a blank engages the target the latterswings from the position shownin solid linesin Fig. 9 tothe positionshown in dotted linespand remains there ,until after the rear end of the blank has passed the target, at which ftime the spr-ing .43 `returns the target `to .normal position. `Inthje meantime, the cam 45 has been rotatedtogclose switch |02V of the circuit, and almost immediately ythereafter `returns to-the positionshown in Fig.`9,.andis held .inthat position by the engagcmentof the depending arm 41 with the stop 48. Thus, as eachblank moves along, the circuit controlledby the cam 45 will lie-closed by the turning of theV cam, and will stay` closed for the; same time period, regardless of Ythe'length of-time required for a short blank or a long blank to pass beyond the target 40. y

The electric circuit which 1 Vis momentarily closed by .the oscillating of the target acts to startthefeeding of the end of the tape onto :the blank. `The target andits support, shown in Eigs. 1 and `9, are secured in the fixed position on theframe of the machine, softhat the end of the tape will become attached to the blank across the edges of the latter and accurately register with the. first of thefold lines` between thesidegwalls and theriiaps of the blank. j A The apparatus that feeds the tapeffromithe loop may embody .many parts similar -to those shown in the-Siegapplication :above referred to. .The-tapefinpassing'from-.the roller 26 goesbeheatha `roller 5U which is drivenzby a chain 5| from the-shaft-of the .roller orbelt pulley 21,

62 of the lever maybe carried by a link 63 pivoted at 64 'and connectedto .a rod..65 extending to the delivery end of the machine, whereby the timing ofthe cutter may be adjusted. The part which. carries the yplunger may also have an arm 66 which may be connectedbyr a rod 61 extending' tothe delivery end of the machine and adjustable to controlthe time at which the cam 54swings the lever 5b" to grip the tape to the feed roller 5U and start the feeding of the latter to the blank. .i Theseparts form no portion of my invention, and lreference is made to the same Sieg application for a fuller explanation of the construction and operation thereof.

In my improved machine the shaft 53 is driven from any. suitable source of power, and is intermittently rotated through one revolution for each box blank fed .to the machine. 'I'he rotation of this shaft is controlled by the electric circuit which is in turn controlled by the target 40. .As shown, the shaft 53 has a single revolution clutch 1|, such for instance as a Hilliard clutch, and which is operated by a trip cam 10. The lat ter `has a shoulder 12 on its periphery, and with which the end of a pivoted lever 13 may engage. (See Fig.` 11;) The lever is normally held by a spring :14.111 position to engage the trip cam 10, thus disengaging the driving means within the clutch. The pivoted lever is connected to a solenoid 15 bylink 16, so that when the electric circuitA of the solenoid is closed, thelever is disengaged and the trip cam 10 returns the driv ing means into driving position'within the clutch, andthe shaft 53 may rotate to cause roller 51 to engage the tape and the tape to be gripped by feed roller 50 and advance the end of the tape to the blank, where it becomes attached by the pressure of the belt 30. Y

The shaft 53 is stopped after a single revolution, and in apredetermined position. This is effected by means of a brake disc 11 having a brake band 18, one end of which is anchored andthe other end connected to a spring 19. A lever has a roller 8| engaging the periphery of thebrake disc and a spring 82 pressing the lever toward thedisc.` The brake discv 11 has a recess or depression on the periphery, so that when the roller enters the depression after a single revolution, `the spring 19 applies the brake and stopsl the shaft in `a predetermined position'. The brake band is not so tight but what the shaft` can be rotated to move the depression past the roller 8| and loosen the brake band when the circuit is closed to disengage the pivoted lever 13 and causev the clutch to engage.

Thus it will be seen that when the blank strikes the target'40 the electric circuit is closed, the pivoted lever 13 is released, and the shaft 53 will rotate through one revolution and then stop. During this revolution the cam 54 causes the tape to be gripped by the feed roller 50 and the roller 51 and fed to the blank. The feed of the tape will be continued by the pull of the moving blank until disc 58fcauses the cutter 3| to cut the tape. The shaft 53 continues rotating, and is stopped at the end of this one revolution, When the cutter operates there will be no further pull on the tape or from the loop B, but return slipping of the tape is prevented by the snubber. During the tape feeding operation above described, the tape has been pulled from. the loop B to shorten the latter, and there is practically no resistance to this pulling action as the tape is under negligible tension. y,

The means for feeding tape to the loop involves `bar-95 slidable on the frame of the machine.

an important feature of my invention. As pre.-

viously noted, vthe roller l2|.-.which is rafpart of the loop. Drivenv roller 2|.is .a smoothfaced roller, and as suchthe tractive-forcel applied to thetape is proportional to the resistance in the rotation of the-tape roll When'unwinding. rWhen rollerv -22 is lowered tov an voperative vposition to presszthe tape against the 4driven roller 2|, slippagefof the tape occurs during which time ro tation ofthe tape roll is gradually accelerated.'

This in effect-is to apply a constant tension Von the tape when feedingto. the loop and unwind-J ingV the tape roll and netto snap the tape or jerk the tape roll into rotation. thus breaking" the tape. Delivery of the tape from ther roll to the -loop may occur very promptly after start of tape withdrawal from the loop,v and until the loop is restored .to its normal maximum desired length; The feeding of tape to the loop is then stopped and the brake-is reappled to the tape-Y' roll to prevent continued unwinding of the tape'- roll; 'The brake is shown in Fig. 5 as havingja:V

frictionv plate or brake disc 85 coaxial with. thev spindle 86 of the reel 20, supported by two orv more rods 8.' whichfcarry springs 88. The rods 37 are connected by a bar 89, and the latter-is connected to the core of a solenoid 90.

.The means which' causes'the release of theV brake vongthe tape roll also'acts to vlowerthe feed roller 2,2sothat the rollers 2| and 22 will withdraw tape. from the tape roll. As shown in Fig. 5, a bell crank lever is mounted on a pivot 9| on the frame of the machine, andone arm .92V

of this` bell crank lever engages the brake disc 85. The otherI arm 93 of the bell crank lever is l connectedby a link Sllto a horizontally movable "A spring-96 normally actson` this bar to pull-'it endwise and also acts through thef'arm 92 .to

press the brakeA disc 85 onto the tape roll. The f Y Y v path of the light-rays from the flight source |03.'

arm 90. and with its limiting down position coii- .trolled by anadjusting-fscrew |00.` .Y 1 The sequenceof operations .in the apparatus above describedis as follows, reference beinshad .to theawiring diagram.'Fig. 1.2:1 Whena blank z advanced by the belts 29 and II strikes the targetM. the latter -is movedrfrom the posi-tionshownin solid lines inFig. .9 .to theposition shown in dotted lines. Thecam 45 oscilla-ted by. theftarget is connectedgztc arnormally.open switch |02 which is in= the 'electric control circuit,f,.and. the momentary closing` of this switch energizes'thersolenoid 15 to .release the clutchfii andrthe brake; band 18; and permitsv the shaft. .to bei drivenfthrough one revolution.- VAi: thefsam'e time'it causesthe cama-54. to swing-.theleverfi and causes. the roller 51 rto--presslthe1 tape against the drivenroller 50, and causes-ittobe fed. from the knives .31, 32tto Athe blank.; and"between `the belt :pulleys By thetime that roller 5JV moves back.. after the cam 54 -leavesthe plunger 55,. the tape-hasvbecome attached tothe blank, land the latterA pulls the tape vover-.the rollers-26. 235 and 24, and fromtheloop..V l 'i V- When .the loop of the tape is lifted above the the light rays acting on the electric eye, |704 'close the switch |05 in the circuit ofthe-solenoidls to energize `the latter and release the brake 85 fromV lthe tape roll.: AAt the `same timellt-lew-Y Y ers the roller 22 Vto cause this rollerfincoopera other end of thebar 95, as shown in Fig. '7,'h`a's Y an upwardly inclined flange 9|disposed beneath a similarly inclined ange 98 on an arm 99'connected tothe frame 'by a pivot pin IDI', so that the flange g8 may rest on the flange 9T `and the roller 22 may-,rest on the `driven roller 2|. vIhi's arm 499 carries the roller 22 which coacts with the roller 2| of-the tape feed mechanism. When th'e brake is applied tothe tape roll, the arm 92 4of the bell 4crank lever moves to the position showgn in Fig. 5.l It pulls the bar 95 endwise to the leit 4 brakeY is released by'fthe solenoid 90 the arm 93 pushes the bar 9'5 endwise and lets the-roller 22 press the'tape onto the driven roller 2|, and the tape is gripped and fed by these rollers. In .order to effect ,accurate timing,.the base plate 98 of the ilange y98 mayY bevertically adjusted on Athe tion with roller 2|, to feed tape to the lop-.- The feed roller 2| is continuously rotatedgbut-.the roller 22 is anidlervandis in raisedfposition so that Athis rotationof therroller-2| `does not feed tape except'lwhen the roller f22--is in lowered positiorL- A Y.; .A

'The feeding of tape to the loop bythe rollers the loop, `first by the rollers V15|! and SIJandI-then .by the blank, continues-until the tape is cut-by action;v The .ie'edl of tape from-the loop-corrtinues for a time interval-controlled byf-the" length of the blank and itsspeed o-f travel, butsthe feed of tape to the loop vbegins -af-ter `theflooiii has shortened to a predetermined extent: andlcon tinues after VtheV cutting of theftape, and -ior a sufiicient-time interval to restore the tapetofits desired i'maximum length. yThe closing of the circuit1.;byrtheswitch ,|02 takes place when the target-has movedthroughpnly -a partof .its path .ofmovementnandis opened when the pewl 4Iv releases thexcaml. :Thus the feed'of -tape tofthefloop :may begin shortly ,after-the ltape .has shortened.";.The. .switchoperated by :the target is* released Vbefore vthe rear end of the. blank the targetwhenthenext blank engagesit... f 'I `fulrom the wiring diagramy be seenthat where the vcurrent supplied' is Lan yA.V C. one,r a

rectifier |01 ,is employedto Asupply D. C. current to. the solenoidV 15; Aso that Vthe lattenwill-.operata 9. instantly-"regardless"f the phase of lthe APC?.V ci'rr'ent at tlie'ii`ist`ant"the` switch |02 "is closed. A'nianually operated switcli'f I U may be -connectfl ed in parallel withthe switch 102; s"that"the tapcffeeding maybe started `by hand in start-` ing up the machina'or at'any othery time desired. Having thus described my invention, what I claimas `new and -desi`r`e to secureby Letters Patent isz. 7 f

1. box-blank taping machinehaving 'means forfrintermitten'tly feedingftape to a suspended loop supported only `at the ends thereofpmeans for1.interi'nit'tently `feeding tape to'said loop, means for'` delivering tapel intermittently from said loop `to successive' box blanks, thereby yshortening said loop, means for projecting light `rays transverselyof `the-path ofthe lower endofsaid loop-,andV means-controlled by said light rays for feeding-tape to said loop only when said `loop ,is out` of'the path of, said light rays.

2. A box-blank taping machine having; means for advancing a series of blanks in succession, means 'for iintermittently'feeding tape to a suspended loop supported only at the ends thereof, means for deliveringV tape intermittently from said loop to successive box blanks whereby said blanks pull tape from said loop to shorten it, means for projectinglight rays transversely of the path of the lower end of said loop, and means controlled by said light rays for feeding tape to said. loopwhen saidloop isof less than a predetermined length and. stopping'-A sai'dfeeding when said loop` reaches said length. f

x3. A box-blank. tapingmachine including a pair of spaced. members forsupporting'therebetween ai freely suspended ,loop-of tape, means-1 for intermittentlyeedng.tape to ,said loop, means for intermittently withdrawing tape from said loop and applying it to successively advancing box blanks, means below said members for projecting light rays in a transverse direction to the lower portion of said loop, and means controlled by said light rays for feeding tape to said loop only when said loop is above the path of said light rays.

4. A box-blank taping machine including a pair of spaced rollers for supporting therebetween a freely suspended loop of tape, means for continuously rotating one of said rollers, an idler roller movable toward and from said last mentioned roller to grip and. release said tape, and thereby start and stop delivery of the tape to said loop, means for projecting light rays in a transverse direction below said rollers, and means controlled by said light rays for moving said idler roller to eifect tape delivery to the loop when said loop is above the path of said light rays.

5. A box-blank taping machine having a tape supply reel provided with a friction brake, means for drawing tape from a tape roll supported by said reel to form a freely suspended loop, and means for applying said brake to stop rotation of said tape roll when the loop exceeds a predetermined length.

6. A box-blank taping machine including a pair of horizontally disposed spaced rollers for supporting a loop of tape, a tape supply reel, a brake for said reel, a roller coacting with one of said first mentioned rollers for feeding tape from a tape roll on said reel to said loop, and means for applying said brake and moving said third mentioned roller to stop feeding of tape to the loop when the loop exceeds a predetermined length.

Y energized by said light beam for closing said cir` cuit, and means operating when said circuit isi closed for operating said brake and disengaging` said coacting roller. l

8. A box-blank taping machine including a tape supply reel, a brake on saidv reel to prevent rotation of the tape roll thereon, a pair of rollers for feeding tape from saidreel to form a freely' suspended loop, means for positively rotating one of said rollers, an electric circuit, means for clos-1' ing said circuit when the loop is of fless than a predeterminedV length, and means actuated by said circuit for moving the other roller to opera-J tive position and releasing said brake;

`9. A box-blank taping machine includingl a tape supply reel, means for supporting a freelysuspended loop of tape delivered from 1a tape; rollon said reel, means forprojecting light rays in a direction transverse to the loop, electrically operated means for delivering tape from 4a tape roll on said reel to said loop to lengthen the latter;-` and means actuated by said light rays for stopping the delivery of tape to said loop when the' latter intersects said light rays. l 10. A box-blank taping machine including-a2: tape supply reel, means for supporting a freely suspended loop of tape delivered from a tape roll` on said reel, means for intermittently drawing tape from said loop for application to spacedbox blanks advancing in succession, means for,

projecting light rays in a direction transverse to the loop, means for delivering tape from the tape roll on said reel to said loop to lengthen the latter, and means controlled by said light rays for stopping the delivery of tape to said loop when the latter intersects said light rays.

l1. A box-blank taping machine having means for feeding tape to successively advancing blanks, an electric control -circuit for initiating the operation of said feeding means, a switch in said circuit, a pivoted target in the path of movement of said blanks, an oscillatory member for operating said switch, means connected to said target for moving said member, and means releasing said member from said target and permitting return movement thereof before the target reaches the end of its path of movement by a blank.

12. A box-blank taping machine Vhaving a roller for feeding tape to successively advancing blanks, means for stopping rotation of said roller after a single revolution, an electric circuit including means for operating said stopping means, a switch in said circuit, aV pivoted target in the path of movement of the blanks, an oscillatory member for operating said switch, means connected to said target for moving said member, and means for releasing said member from said target and permitting return movement thereof llf ingvtape to a. freely-suspended loop, means for feeding tape from said loop to successively advancing blanks, an electric circuit for controlling said rst mentioned tape feeding means and initiating said` second mentioned feeding means, a target in the path of movement of the blanks, a switch for said target, an oscillatory member for operating said switch, a member connected to said target for oscillating said member during aportion only of the movement of the target, and means for effecting return movement'of said member and the operating of said switch before theh target reaches the end. of its path of movement by a blank.

.f ,15; kA machine for applying tape to separate folded box blanks which are being .fed in succession inspaced relationship into and between blank advancing members, said machinehaving a targetfin the path of movement of the blanks and operated by each successive blank, an.' electric circuit, means insaid circuit for feeding tape for application to said blanks While said circuit is closed, means operated by said target dur-ing thefinitial portion of its movementfor closing said circuit, and means for opening said circuit during further movement of said target.

16. A machine for applying tape to separate folded box blanks which are being fed in succession in spaced relationship into .and between superposed traveling belts, said machine having means for feeding tape to a freely suspended loop, means for feeding tape from said loop to the blanks, a. target.V in the path of movement oflth'e Yblanks and operatedV by each successive blank, aan electric circuit, means in said circuit foroperating both of said tape feeding means when said circuit is closed, means operated by said target `duringV the), initlalportionmot the;

movement of; the target, forclosingfsald circuit,

and. .means for opening saidY circuit during; Y fur,l Y

ther movementofsaid targetf` q i 17 A machine for applying tpetoisenrate foldedv box blanks which are-being, fed ln'suc:

f for `feeding tape from said loop'to the' blanks," a:

target in the path'of movement 'ofthe-'blanks `i cHAnLEsD. l NITCHfIn VREFERENCES CITED.

The follwingy vreferences file of this patent: 3

UNITEDHST-ATES PATENTS Number Name' Date- 1,386,573 t Martin AugiZ; 1921 1,857,260 Rider May 10, 1932 2,147,467 Stephenson Feb.- `14 I 1939 2,248,744 Cohen u.;.; July, 1941 V{2,467,2'1?) Shields Api. 12, 1949 2,488,339 Shields NOW 15,'V 1949 2,540,694 Sieg Feb. 6T 1951 are ofrecord in the,Y 

